Tonight's Smackdown is a night of transitions. A U.S. title match between Finlay and Ken Kennedy takes place; however, GM Teddy Long has a big surprise for the two hot heads. The controversy that is Vickie Guerrero continues with yet another twist to this already disturbing situation. To cap things off Reading, PA will bear witness to the World title contract signing between King Booker and Batista. Will the King be able to outwit the Animal once again? Only one way to find out... on to the report!

After last week's controversial turn by Vickie Guerrero on Rey Mysterio, the former World champion makes his way out to the ring. Rey calls out Vickie for an explanation, and Eddie's widow obliges by standing face to face with her former friend. Vickie says she is done mourning and it is time to move on. She also calls Mysterio an insignificant chapter of her life and that she is the new business manager of Chavo Guerrero. Vickie then smacks Rey hard across the face... Mysterio looks heartbroken. The tastelessness goes on.

Match 1: Matt Hardy vs. Gregory Helms

This non-Cruiserweight title match begins slowly as Hardy controls the pace with headlocks and shoulder blocks. After Helms works Matt's right arm, Hardy nails an awesome sit-down power bomb in the corner. Following some back and forth attacks, Helms slows things down by trying to choke out his opponent with a scissors lock. JBL puts over Hardy as a "main event waiting to happen," and just as he says that Matt nails a running bulldog. Helms reverses two Twist of Fates and connects with a reverse Unprettier for a two count. Helms tries to clock Hardy with the title belt but misses and is tied up for the three count.

WINNER: Matt Hardy

Ken Kennedy challenges Finlay for the United States championship in GM Teddy's office. Long says he'll make the match but will add a little "somethin' somethin'" later on.

Match 2: The Miz vs. Tatanka

This is The Miz's long awaited in ring debut. He faces the fallen on hard times Native American, Tatanka, who has been receiving some unlucky referee decisions. Miz actually holds his own through this one and doesn't look all that out of place. The finish comes when Miz pushes the official, backslides Tatanka, and puts his feet on the rope for the pinfall.

WINNER: The Miz

Match 3: U.S. Championship- Finlay (c) vs. Ken Kennedy

Before things get underway, GM Teddy Long walks out to deliver on his promise to add something to this match. Teddy does just that by making it a Triple Threat match with... Bobby Lashley!

Finlay vs. Ken Kennedy vs. Bobby Lashley

Kennedy tries to forge a bond with Lashley, but the former U.S. title holder doesn't fall for it and delivers an over the top belly-to-belly suplex. Kennedy is all over the ring, clearing house, and connecting with a huge swanton bomb onto Lashley for a near fall. The champion has been neutralized for most of this match, allowing Mr. Kennedy and Lashley to exchange blows, and keep the match pace going quickly. Finlay out smarts Kennedy by trapping him in the apron curtain after an attempted baseball slide, but is then quickly thrown into the steel steps by Lashley. The champ takes down Lashley in the corner and goes to work on Kennedy outside the ring. Finlay's leprechaun pops out and is used to be thrown onto Kennedy. Lashley nails a spear and British Bulldog powerslam following a botched shillelagh attack from Finlay. As the big man pins Finlay, Kennedy rushes back in the ring, rolls up Lashley, pulls the tights, and becomes the NEW United States champion.

WINNER: Ken Kennedy

Match 4: Sir William Regal vs. Vito

Sir William Regal recaps to Vito and the crowd how he was knighted last week. The Englishman gets the jump start on his cross dressing opponent; however, Vito scores a near fall after distracting Regal with a flash. MVP is being shown on the cell phone in the front row throughout the contest. It seems every time Regal starts putting the boots to Vito, the Italian flashes him to gain back the advantage. After being shoved underneath Vito's dress, Regal has had enough walks out on the match to be counted out.

WINNER: Vito via countout

After the commercial break Michael Cole talks with MVP about when he will get in the ring and sign a contract. MVP says he will fight when Teddy Long gets the money right.

Jamie Noble nails a great looking suplex slam and is isolating London from his partner. Both Pit Bulls pound away on London, delivering stiff shots until he finally makes the hot tag to Kendrick. Both of the champions attack with several high flying assaults until Kendrick pins Kash with a victory roll. Chase and Stevens rush the ring and all three teams begin attacking one another. It's good to see some life in the tag division.

WINNER: London & Kendrick

The Main Event for tonight is the World championship contract signing between the champion King Booker and Batista. His majesty condemns The Animal as a thug and a scoundrel. Batista rebuttal is that the only reason Booker has the title is because he was injured and was forced to give up the World championship. Both men sign the contract and then the two future combatants stand toe to toe. The King misses with a wild swing and is given two spine busters, the second of which sends Booker through the contract signing table. Batista walks away as the Queen attends to her fallen King.

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Andy McNamara is a freelance and SLAM! Wrestling writer. Andy asks: what does Smackdown need to make itself at or near the same level as Raw? Andy can be reached at andymcnamara@hotmail.com.